travel & leisure: Hints On How To Maximize The Camping Experience

By Dorsey T. Emanus

Camping is a great activity, but there are some risks associated with it. There are many natural hazards in the wild that can be dangerous and even deadly to campers if they encounter them. The following article will keep you safe by showing you what hazards to look out for while camping.

Make sure that your tent is ready before dark if you don't plan to sleep under the stars. Some camping locations get very dark and this can make setting up your campsite nearly impossible. You also never know when something could go wrong during set-up, such as a broken pole or a sudden tear in your tent.

Start your camping trip off the easy way with a precooked meal that can be kept in a cooler. There are many things that must be done on the first day and knowing that you have a delicious meal already prepared can make the end of the day relaxing and more enjoyable.

Whenever you set up your tent, make sure you first check for wasp nests. The last thing you want to do is have your tent set up and be attacked by wasps. If you are stuck out in the wilderness, then being attacked by numerous wasps can even be life-threatening. So, be smart and thoroughly inspect the area for any wasp nests.

Before heading out on a camping trip, examine all of the zippers and seams on your tent and sleeping bag. There is no worse surprise than discovering that your tent leaks in the rain or that your sleeping bag cannot seal out the chilly night air. Thoroughly checking your equipment before you leave can leave you not only more comfortable, but more safe.

Camping is fun, and camping with kids can be even more fun, but certain precautions need to be made for these little campers. Take plenty of extra clothes for them, because they will get dirty and wet. It's important they don't stay in wet clothes, because it's possible it could result in hypothermia. This goes for adults, too.

Know what types of poisonous plants to watch out for when you are camping. This is especially important if you have kids and they are unaware of dangers lurking. The three common poisonous plants to watch out for are poison ivy, poison sumac and poison-oak. The best rule of thumb to remember these plants by, avoid trees with three leaves or carrying berries.

Introduce yourselves to other families camping in your immediate area, as a means of being social and more apt to help each other out. If another crew arrives after you've set up, offer to help with their tent or equipment. If something goes awry during the trip for anyone, it's much easier to ask for help from somebody who was courteous enough to introduce themselves.

When you are heading out for that long awaited camping trip, don't forget to take along your cell phone. You may be tempted to leave all the texting and calls behind, but your cell phone can be one of your most important safety lifelines in the event of an emergency. Make sure it is fully charged and keep it protected from the elements in a plastic bag or waterproof case.

Duct tape can be a camper's very best friend. When disaster strikes on a camping trip, a roll of heavy-duty duct tape will usually save the day. If the tent fabric needs patching in the rain, duct tape will hold back the water. When tent poles need reinforcing, the duct tape will provide support. Do you have holes in your tennis shoes? Duct tape right over it. Whatever the mishap, a roll of duct tape is sure to help!

Learning and living with nature is one of the best ways to spend your hard earned vacation time. Pack and prepare with everything you need to make your camping adventure a success, and be sure to keep all the tips from this article in mind to make it go more smoothly.

Source: http://bidding-travel.blogspot.com/2012/08/hints-on-how-to-maximize-camping.html

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